MANAS Artspace asks artists to use fake bills, real plans

CHICO — Curators at MANAS Artspace passed out $100 to patrons and told them to make art.

The result came in the form of the art space's current show, "Impermanence: Big Plans for Lil Franky."

The plan for the fake bills with Franky included some real architectural plans as well.

Someone from Habitat for Humanity donated the old blue prints and MANAS owner, David "Dragonboy" Sutherland, had the next theme for the open-entry exhibition.

"The title of the show itself is permanence combined with the little Franky, and architectural plans lends itself to a sort of questioning of what is permanent," Sutherland said.

A secure home provides a solid foundation and having money just coats those ideals. Sutherland wanted to takes these themes and explore it through varied mediums.

"That's kind of like the modus operandi of current structure," he said. "So (the show) is just kind of playing with that, opening up that question of what is permanent. It's kind of fun."

Though the presence of currency appeared in most pieces, the blue prints were employed the most. That may be because the artists had more to work with material-wise.

The paper works of the show were interesting.

A beautiful papier-mache dia de los muertos muñca stood ghoulishly baring a bouquet of roses clad in a bronzy draped finish dress. The detail isn't very vast but the piece is stunning.

Some chose to jumble up the blue prints, paint them and conceived some abstract pieces.

A lot of trees were recreated which was quite fitting to the theme of money and money growing on trees.

A few standout pieces were collaged works.

"All Hail Babykin" by Sutherland was one of the largest pieces and better pieces in the show.

After a visit with his mother and browsing through some old childhood trinkets, a book by Richard Scarry from Sutherland's younger years became a focal point for his mixed medium work.

Sutherland's piece ended up being a lot about time travel, family, modern versus ancient technology and Babykins, he said.

"There's a spiritual element that runs through it which is, without Babykins, without that little baby being born, you wouldn't have anything," he said. "It comes down to the birthing of that little being."

The final product is stained with black walnut juice, creating a murky coat over the collage.

A nice blend of the blue prints, Benjamin, Babykins and random images balances the piece.

Also included in the show is a wall of revamped Franklins that covered a wall in the back of the studio. Guests who attended the reception were invited to decorate the Founding Father's mug. A Darth Vader mask, some intricate designs and some in drag added color to the black and white portraits.

Considering the show's theme where artists could mock or embrace the political undertones in multiple directions, the show's product was under-whelming compared to previous exhibits.

The next open-entry show is titled "Everything Blue." Artists can draw from the given platform of a blue foam sheet or create something on their own. Sutherland asks artist to meditate on the color blue not only as a color or element but also as a personal state.

All mediums are accepted between Jan. 15 through Jan. 18 at the art space, 1442c Park Ave. There is a $5 entry fee.